30 July 2013

Here is the next in my series of preferred vendor interviews: Michelle Shannon, Celebrant! The weddings that I've seen Michelle perform have been lovely, touching and filled with tons of laughter and joy. Just what you need on your BIG day!

Enjoyxo Martinia

Please introduce yourself

Hi my name is Michelle Shannon and I am a Marriage Celebrant. Guests have often asked me 'are you a minister'? (I just cheekily say - yes, I am the 'Minister of LOVE' :) - we are the same but different..

Can you tell us about your services and what you offer?

I am lucky enough to be part of a couples special day. As a celebrant we do all the legal documentation required and with meetings and phone calls/Emailsetc. I guide couples to creating the kind of wedding ceremony that they have always dreamed of. Then when the big day comes we make it all official and start off the celebrations with a heart- warming, memorable ceremony and at times we even have a few laughs - The day really is about the couple and their style of ceremony which suits them and their personality.. Everyone is different and each ceremony is individual and personal.

How early do you accept bookings?

I am already taking bookings for 2014 - couples usually start booking at least 6 to 12 months in advance and by Christmas time I am usually almost fully booked for the year ahead - which is wonderful!

What is important for couples to be aware of?

I am always surprised by those who leave booking a celebrant till last. At the bare minimum, you need book and supply the Notice of Intent to Marry Document to your celebrant no later than 1 month prior to the big day. You need to find your birth certificates to be sighted by the Celebrant and if either of the couple have been married before they also need to locate their divorce decree to be recorded.

It is always helpful for me to know your ceremony location and chosen time when booking as this really helps in the planning for all of us.

And have a bad weather back up...A definite must if you are looking at an outdoor wedding..

Most important aspects to consider for you and your guests especially if you are having an outdoor weddingare -

Shade

Shelter if required (could even be umbrellas on the beach if hot)

Toilets & parking close by

And a drink of water if needed

(some months like January and February can be very hot outside).

Why should couples book with you?

I really believe it is a personal choice - the great thing is that couples have so much choice now. I always say my style in modern, romantic with a little bit of fun there if you wish. If I had all my past 300+ couples come together for a party I know they would all get on great.The same kind of lovely people find me!!!

What special advice do you suggest?

Have a look at the internet to get ideas.

Takes notes if you are going to any family or friends wedding about the kind of things you like and wish for your wedding ceremony -

Make sure you meet a couple of celebrants so that you know you are happy with who you have chosen.

Take note of weather for those months or even tide times if on the beach.

Don't try to involve everyone to please them it is your day so keep it memorable and about you.

Email family and friends well before the big day so they have a clear indication of what is happening for the weekend -

23 July 2013

I'm so excited to introduce you to my next "Preferred Vendor". I love working with this venue on the northern portion of the coast. The staff are lovely and extremely friendly, the ceremony and reception options are all SO dreamy and what about that aspect?! I don't know about you but I drool over those gorgeous super yachts. A photographer's dream!

We accept bookings well into the future with weddings already booked into 2015. We can book 18months in advance with our current package prices and anytime after with prices subject to variations.

What is important for couples to be aware of?

Southport Yacht Club is one of the Gold Coast's best well kept secrets and the view will take your breath away! Those seeking to find a perfect location for their Wedding Ceremony and Wedding Reception are welcome to view our Function Rooms by simply making an appointment with our function team.

Why should couples book with you?

Our Functions team is passionate about weddings and making your wedding tailored to suit all your dreams and desires. Southport Yacht Club is the perfect location for your special day with amazing photographic opportunities on our private beach or Super Yacht Marina and just minutes from world famous Beaches.​

What special advice do you suggest?

Always have a Ceremony plan ‘B’. By booking your wedding at the Southport Yacht Club we can cater for all weather. We have the Eastern Lawn for the perfect day or our Western Deck for your wet weather Ceremony. Both of which overlook our Marina and Private beach for the perfect back drop for the moment you say ‘I do’.

16 July 2013

Yum, Yum, YUM! This week I'm introducing you to the bread & butter or should I say the cake & frosting of my preferred vendors. Cakes by Simone makes cakes and cupcakes that are absolutely divine! They are the trifecta of wedding cakes...stunning & unique designs, tasty beyond belief and they won't break the bank. 'Nuff said!! Swing by her website to see tons of pictures.

Enjoy!xo Martinia

Please introduce yourselfMy name is Simone WeatherstoneCan you tell us about your services and what you offer? I specialize in chocolate cakes for weddings, that combine delicious flavour and stunning fresh flowers at affordable prices. I also create beautiful cakes for birthdays, christening and any other special occasion.I can also make cupcakes and a variety of other of cakes with lots of flavours to choose from. All my cakes are homemade, I don’t use any premixes. My prices are very reasonable and I don’t charge extra simply because it is a wedding cake.
Cupcake stands and silver cake stands also available for hire. I can also do lolly buffets to suit your theme.How early do you accept bookings?10 months in advanceWhy should couples book with you?I give personalised one on one service to all my clients from the start with design, baking, decorating and right through to delivery and set up of their cake . I try and answer my emails everyday so I can answer any queries quickly. I really love what I do and I hope that shows in my work.

09 July 2013

Here's the next in the series of "Preferred Vendor Interviews". I love
working with THE best of the best and I know you will too.

Julia Rose is by FAR the vendor that I have worked the most with...and happy to say so! Because her styling and floral arrangements are head & shoulders above the rest. Not to mention her helpful, bubbly personality. Put it all together and Voil a (my new favourite word) and you have THE BEST flowers from Brisbane to Byron...there, I said it!
Enjoyxoxo Martinia

Please introduce yourself

My Name is Julia Rose and I am a Wedding Specialist.

I LOVE to create beautiful and unique floral pieces, Weddings are my
heart and soul.

I just love working with brides &
their wedding coordinators to help bring an area to life, filling it with flowers, helping to create an atmosphere which will evokes guests senses, visually or emotionally through sweet perfumes.

I LOVE my Job! I am one of those lucky
people who just adore what they do.

Who wouldn't love getting lost in amongst
the flowers, being part of a couples special day. I truly love creating &
designing Beautiful Pieces of Floral Art.

When I am designing and creating is when I
am most alive.

I also teach Floral Art, which is just
amazing.

Can you tell us about your services and
what you offer?

My specialty is designing flowers for weddings, events, runway & advertising campaigns. My designs have been
featured in large 'big brand' worldwide campaigns, as well as in many National
and International Fashion Magazines, published in over 5 languages. I am what
the industry calls a “Glamour Floral Artist”. In April this year, an Avante Garde Floral Gown I
created was the centre point for the"Sneak
Peak" at fashion week at the prestigious QT Gold Coast Fashion week and
Awards. This night was especially created to feature the gownI designed. I was the exclusive floral
designer forthe entire floral arrangements
displayed at the St Hilda's Centenary Celebrations with over 85 tables.I created the florals for the Redbull
Quiksilver Pro after party. I write for many Wedding magazines on what’s hot
and in trend this season, as well as being a guest blogger on Australia's
oldest and number one flower suppliers website, Tesselears.I like to keep my floral art affordable, as
it is a passion and created with love, as opposed to love of money.

How early do you accept bookings?

Anywhere from 18 months
out from the wedding date. (I have taken the occasional booking up to 24 months
out from the Wedding date)

What is important for couples to be
aware of?

I would say the most import thing to be aware of is that the day is
about "You", "You two as a couple" so basically don't sweat
the little things, as long as you two are there on the day, then everything is
Perfect!! It does not matter that the napkins are supposed to be cream and not
white..trust me no one will notice...everyone is there to share in your love
and see you two become one.

Why should couples book with you?

My Floral pieces
reflect the couple and every piece is unique. I have designed many different
packages in exactly with exactly the same flower recipe, yet each has been
completely different, pending the structure and feel of the overall wedding.

Each and every package
is tailored to suit the couples needs, budget & style.

You can rest assured the the quality of the the brand "Julia
Rose" will be flawless each and every time. Then there is the cost, as I
am a wedding & event specialist my flowers are made with passion as this is
the only fields I service, so the the prices are not dramatically increased as
soon as the word 'wedding' appears.

What special advice do you suggest?

I would suggest to book early to avoid running around at the last
minute. This will help to make your Wedding Planning a much more pleasurable
experience

02 July 2013

Can you say cute, unique, yummy & a REALLY great idea? When I first came across this little gingerbread folk...that was EXACTLY what I thought. Are you looking for that special something...that WOW factor to add to your reception? Well, this is it! This adorable, edible gift doubles as a placecard. Voilà!!
Enjoy!!xo Martinia

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Karen Sharman shared owner with Dominic Mason (my husband) of Gingerbread Folk.Our business was created 12 years ago, when I was inspired by a passion for baking and the artistic process of decorating gingerbread.

Can you tell us about your services and what you offer?

We offer personalized bride and grooms cookie-placecards that are a 2-in-1 solution to a gift and namecard at a placesetting. These can be personalised with your guests' names(or any wording) for a practical, delightful and delicious table decorations. They are also a terrific ice-breaker at tables!

How early do you accept bookings?

We encourage couples to book up to a year ahead of their wedding and encourage orders to be placed at least 3 months ahead of ‘peak’ wedding times to guarantee supply.

What is important for couples to be aware of?We also offer a gluten free and vegan gingerbread options. All our cookies are wrapped in compostable film and that is because we want to reduce our impact on landfill

Why should couples book with you?

With Gingerbread Folk you will receive a unique and delicious product as well as friendly, professional efficient customer service.

What special advice do you suggest?

I think it is important to make sure there is something to make everyone comfortable. It is your wedding day but it is a shared celebration so it’s lovely to make all your friends and family feel special too.